Bafana vs Rwanda: Preview, permutations, lineup, time and where to watch

It is miracle time for Bafana Bafana as they eye a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after shooting themselves in the foot twice.

Hugo Broos’ men would be required to win their final game against Rwanda on Tuesday to seal a direct ticket to the World Cup but now, that alone is not enough after their three-point deduction from FIFA followed by the goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Friday.

What are the qualification permutations?

Mduduzi Shabalala and Mohau Nkota Bafana Bafana

South Africa are now left counting on Nigeria to do them a huge favour. Bafana Bafana take on Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening and must win the match and then hope that group leaders Benin lose to Nigeria in Uyo on the same day.

Heading into the final round of qualifiers, Benin lead Group C with 17 points, South Africa on 15 while Nigeria have 14. All the three can seal a direct ticket to the World Cup but only Benin have their destiny in their own hands.

Bafana Bafana will need to defeat Rwanda and hope that Nigeria beat Benin as the Super Eagles can now not qualify via the playoffs since six other second-placed teams are already on 18 or more points, while the maximum the Super Eagles can get is 17.

What other scenarios would favour South Africa?

It means they must win and hope South Africa drop points for them to qualify but Bafana Bafana can be the main beneficiaries in case they beat Rwanda and the Super Eagles triumph as that would leave Hugo Broos’ men with 18 points while the West Africans would have 17 and out of the running.

Benin, meanwhile, need to beat Nigeria to maintain top spot and lock out the rest, but even a draw could be enough provided South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.

However, a draw for Benin would mean South Africa would need to win by two clear goals to nick it while in a scenario where Nigeria beat Benin 2-1, and both teams end up with identical points, goals, and goal difference, FIFA’s fair play rules would determine who advances based on yellow and red card accumulation.

Form guide

Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in 17 games, although one of those was taken away, the 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, which led to the points deduction over the fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena when he was ineligible.

In the World Cup qualifiers, South Africa have lost just one game, a 2-0 defeat away to Rwanda in November 2023 while the Amavubi come into this match fourth in Group F with 11 points and looking to spoil the party for Bafana Bafana.

Rwanda have won just one of their last five qualification matches, drawing one and losing three which will give South Africa belief.

What have they said?

“Now, it’s no longer in our hands. It becomes even more difficult now. But it’s not 100 per cent lost; we might also need a miracle.” – Hugo Broos, South Africa coach

“I am still very disappointed about losing to Benin in the final minutes of our match in Kigali. I really wanted to pull off a surprise and qualify Rwanda for the 2026 World Cup. But that’s football: now we have to get ready for our game against South Africa.” – Adel Amrouche, Rwanda coach

Time and where to watch?

As we continue to build up to the final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday.#BafanaPride @SABC_Sport @flysaa pic.twitter.com/AiYrbfs4QE
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 12, 2025

The match will kick off at 18:00 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening and will be live on SABC, SuperSport TV while fans can also stream it via the FIFA+ app.